An initiative to recognise excellence in the engineering sector and the positive impact that engineers have made to society during 2020 has been launched by the professional membership body, Engineers Ireland, in association with ESB.
The Engineering Excellence Digital Series competition is a new initiative open to all engineers, engineering firms, tech and MedTech companies, Local Authorities, Third Level Institutions and organisations that use the services of engineers, with a base on the island of Ireland. Winning entries will be profiled as part of a seven-part digital series which will be broadcast online throughout November 2020.
“Ireland’s engineers make an enormous, but sometimes hidden, contribution to society,” said Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland. “Since 2010, Engineers Ireland has worked to address this through the annual Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, supported by ESB. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, we have taken a different approach where we will be developing and sharing online video content to showcase the stories and achievements of engineers and engineering projects that stand out in 2020. We are aiming to shine a light on the role of engineers and the important contribution they make to society.”
Ms Spillane called on Ireland’s engineering community in Galway to participate in the initiative, which is now open and free to enter, by submitting their engineering project from 2020 into one of three categories.
She said: “We are looking for evidence of talent, skill and hard work demonstrated by engineers in a range of settings, whether developing solutions to keep businesses, homes and society operating and our healthcare workers safe during the Covid-19 crisis; engineering, building and infrastructure work; or those who are developing innovative and sustainable solutions for society. We look forward to receiving entries from all engineering disciplines which represent the diverse sector in our country.”
Mr Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive of ESB said ESB is proud to support the Engineering Excellence Digital Series as it strives to celebrate the endeavour, impact and inspirational nature of Ireland’s engineering talent.”
“Ireland’s engineers work every day to improve lives and find solutions to big societal challenges, both here in Ireland and globally. By demonstrating what a diverse, exciting and purposeful career choice engineering can be, we hope to nurture future generations of engineering talent, and help to meet Ireland’s long-term needs”, Mr. O’Doherty added.
The six individuals or organisations deemed to have put forward the most impactful projects by a panel of judges, showing great endeavour and inspiration, particularly in light of this year of unique challenges, will be selected to feature in the Engineering Excellence Digital Series in November 2020. Members of the public will also be encouraged to cast their vote to champion the overall Engineering Endeavour of 2020, sponsored by ESB, by voting for the most impactful initiative as part of the series.
The three categories -now open for entry - through a simple online application form are:
Contribution of Engineering to the Covid-19 Response
This category recognises the recent endeavour and ingenuity demonstrated by the engineering community in response the Covid-19 pandemic.
Engineering Infrastructure and Buildings
This broad category is open to engineering organisations, including those within the geoscience field, who have delivered an infrastructure project and/or building of national or regional significance.
Engineering Innovation and Sustainability
This category recognises engineering vision and creativity which have benefited wider society and the environment.
The Engineering Excellence Digital Series will be central to the professional membership body’s month of Engineering Excellence in November where the winners of community-based awards, including the Best Presentation 2020, CPD Employer of the Year and Chartered Engineer of the Year, who will also take part in the series, will also be announced.
For more information about the Engineering Excellence Digital Series, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/Events/Featured-events/Excellence-Awards/Engineering-Excellence-Digital-Series
